What Causes Colon Cancer

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer or as it is sometimes referred to colorectal cancer or large bowel cancer defines a disease that is characterized by the manifestation of cancerous growths within the rectum, colon and appendix. It is the third most prevalent form of cancer and is the third major cause of cancer related deaths in western societies. It has been declared that the cancer may materialize because of polyps that are within the colon. Though these growths are normally benign they can mutate into malignant tumours. This kind of cancer is generally diagnosed using colonoscopy. It is likely to be treated with surgery followed by the application of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.

What causes colon cancer?

There are several risk factors that will heighten an individuals odds of developing colon cancer. Some of these are highlighted below with a short description of each risk factor.

•    A diet that consists of a lot of  fat is a common factor in encouraging the development of  the disease. Studies have observed that a diet that is high in fat, low in fibre and that maintains excessive portions of red meat may induce the development of the disease. It is speculated that the breakdown of fat in the large and small intestines may make carcinogenic chemicals. Therefore it is advised that a person eats vegetables and foods that are high in fibre to aid the body to rid itself of  carcinogenic waste products from the colon.
•    As mentioned before colon polyps appear to play a enormous role in the manifestation of the disease. These polyps manifest as a result of impairment to the chromosomes in the cell lining of the colon. This leads to the development of small benign entities.  Though these fairly minute growths are benign they have the capacity to mutate into cancerous growths over time. Consequently, it is important to have any present  polyps assesed by a doctor to reduce the oddsthat they will become cancerous growths.
•    An individual may also be genetically predisposed to getting the disease. If a  person has a family history of the disease then his or her probability are greater for developing the possibly inherited condition. The age the disease came about in family members will also increase the likelihood of early onset of the disease in the individual.
•    If  a person has ever had another sort of cancer especially those of the reproductive system  including breast, ovary, and uterine cancer the chance of developing the disease will be greater.
•    People who have Chron’s Disease also have an elevated risk of developing the condition. Because Chron’s disease affects the intestines, degeneration overtime in this particular area will likely induce cancerous growths. It is recommended that patients with the disease are often assesed by the medical practitioner  to diagnose any early development of the disease.
•    If an individual has ulcerative colitis which will prompt  inflammation of the inner lining of the colon he or she will be at an elevated risk of developing the condition. Normallythe manifestation of colon cancer in patients with this disease typically occurs after 8-10 years of being afflicted with the disease.

Early diagnosis of the disease improves the prognosis for any patient. If it is not detected in the early stages it may move to other organs and cause likely death.